Bus station could close permanently - report

Bradford Interchange bus station closed in January due to structural damage

Bradford Interchange bus station may only have a "finite operational life remaining", a meeting heard as a date was set to review its future.

The terminus has been shut since January this year as a "precautionary measure" after structural damage was discovered.

Earlier West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee was updated on work being undertaken at the station.

The authority will meet again on 19 September to discuss what to do next, with permanent closure among the options to be considered.

The combined authority plans to redevelop the area outside the station

Dave Haskins, interim director of passenger experience and assets, said: "A project is currently under way to reopen what I would call the lower concourse, the lower entrance to Bradford Interchange.

"That would be ahead of the City of Culture 2025, with the intention to provide improved rail station access as well as wider work to provide an alternative bus station facility.

"That's for the eventuality that the main bus station may not open or actually that it may only have a finite operational life remaining."

Mr Haskins said work was "certainly on track" to have the new station access point open by 2025.

However a report to WYCA suggested that a permanent closure of the bus station was among the options on the table ahead of its meeting next month.

The report read: "The Interchange remains closed while surveys are ongoing to inform a decision that can be taken on next steps – either a permanent closure, partial reopening or full reopening.

"The options will be presented to the September meeting of the combined authority."

Work is being done to open the lower concourse of the station

Mr Haskins said: "We'll be reporting in due course around our proposals and findings from the work we've been undertaking."

Opening the lower concourse of the station was announced in early August which includes new paving and green space.

Speaking earlier this month, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: "We know the closure of the Interchange has presented real challenges, but these works will help create a welcoming and attractive entry point for people visiting the city centre."

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